A preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 6:45 pm, Trooper Jerry George stopped a 2004 Ford Expedition that was eastbound on I-90 (Indiana Toll Road), at the 25 mile marker, in Portage for a traffic violation, according to the release.

During the stop, Trooper George realized that further investigation was needed and Portage Police Department Officer William Smith and his K-9 “Fax” responded to the stop. Fax alerted on the Expedition indicating a suspicion of narcotics, according to the release.

Trooper Anthony Potesta also arrived and a probable cause search was done on the Ford and he noticed some discrepancies underneath the Ford in the rear. Potesta noticed “aftermarket” metal and hinges after pulling up the carpet in the rear of the vehicle, which made the troopers believe this was a door to a hidden compartment, the release said.

The Expedition was towed from the road and a search warrant was gotten from the Porter County Courts. The search warrant was served and the compartment was opened, according to the release.

Fourteen brick shaped objects containing a white powdery substance were found and they later field tested positive for the presence of cocaine. There were approximately fourteen (14) kilograms of cocaine with a street value of $1.6 million, according to the release.